Thursday, January 18, 2007

Stick a Fork In It

Now

Cloudy, cold. It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings, and it most certainly may not be over for more northerly latitudes, but this particular "event" is pretty much history for the nation's capital and vicinity. An extremely weak low pressure area (1022 mb for those keeping score at home) off the far southeastern Atlantic Coast still shows the potential to "bomb out," providing a distinctly winter experience for northern New England in the next day or so, but the light showers and flurries associated with the coastal front extending northward from the low have been quite unimpressive for the local region. To the north, Philadelphia has picked up a whopping 0.01" of precipitation in the form of light snow, followed by another 0.01" of freezing rain and drizzle.

Meanwhile, the front has helped hold the cold air in, with temperatures barely creeping into the mid 30s. Highs were 35° at 2 of the 3 major airports; Dulles was 34°.

Tonight and Tomorrow

Slight chance of showers or flurries, then breezy and cold. There is still a very slight chance of light showers or flurries, especially to the east, through this evening. Skies will remain mostly cloudy overnight with lows in the upper 20s to near 30°. Tomorrow will be partly cloudy and becoming windy with highs moderating to around 40°.

For the outlook through the weekend and beyond, including the Snow Lover's Crystal Ball and Larson's Long-Range, scroll on down to Josh's post below.

Capitol Climate

The climate for action on climate policy has changed with the new Congress, according to an article, "Bills on Climate Move to Spotlight in New Congress," in today's NYT. The silicon-based version also includes a graphic depicting the potential effects on greenhouse gas emissions of several alternative proposed bills.

One thing which hasn't changed in the new Congress (other than a switch in labels from "majority" to "minority") is the continuing vehement attack on global warming and its advocates from the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. The latest, a blog post criticizing The Weather Channel's Heidi Cullen, was featured on today's Drudge Report. (Well, actually, it was below and to the left of the UFO article.)

The main point is the assertion that Dr. Cullen advocates that the AMS "revoke" the Seal of Approval from those "who do not agree" with her position. Here's the quote from her blog: "If a meteorologist can't speak to the fundamental science of climate change, then maybe the AMS shouldn't give them a Seal of Approval." Where does that demand either decertification or agreement with a particular position? In fact, the AMS, presumably with considerable input from those potentially affected, already has included climatology and climate change as a major category in the study guide for its new Certified Broadcast Meteorologist Program.

Since the EPW Committee minority doesn't like to get climate science from climate scientists, where do they get their "Facts of the Day"? From a science fiction writer whose main scientific credential is that he graduated from medical school.

Their advocacy for dissent is particularly ironic for a blog which has no provision for comments. Yours, of course, are welcome at the link below, but please keep the discussion civil. It also helps to give specific, factual reasons and sources for your opinions if you wish to be taken seriously.